Wounded Marines teach lessons of courage at Roseville event

Philip Wood/Roseville Press TribuneU.S. Martine Cpl. retired, Juan Dominguez, left, relays his experiences in Afghanistan where he lost his legs and right arm in combat with Allegiant Battle for Veterans’ Executive Director Mark Soto in Roseville Aug. 23.

Philip Wood/Roseville Press TribuneGranite Bay High School football players attended the Allegiant Ballttle for Vetrans Evening of Honor opening ceremony Aug. 23 in Adventure Church auditorium, along with members from Roseville and Del Oro High School’s football teams.

Philip Wood/Roseville Press TribuneU.S. Martine Cpl. retired, Juan Dominguez, left, relays his experiences in Afghanistan where he lost his legs and right arm in combat with Allegiant Battle for Veterans’ Executive Director Mark Soto in Roseville Aug. 23.

Tim Lloyd/Roseville Press TribuneU.S. Marine Juan Dominguez, on the field of Del Oro High School, is handed the American flag by a patriotic skydiver who kicked off Allegiant Battle for Veterans’ football.

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The reality of true, devastating and permanent sacrifice was in full view for hundreds of high school-age students Thursday, as they watched severely wounded Marines get interviewed about conquering levels of physical and emotional pain few young people can scarcely imagine.

When Roseville and Granite Bay’s teens left the opening ceremonies for the Allegiant Battle for Veterans, they were forced to consider two messages: The price some military personnel have paid for defending the country’s freedom, and that men and women with so-called “handicaps” are still vibrant, valuable forces in their communities.